Fresh herbs

If you have the inclination, growing your own herbs is the easiest way to always have some on hand. Basil, mint, rosemary, sage, thyme, marjoram, and oregano are all fairly easy to grow, even indoors on a windowsill, and make up the majority of the herbs you are likely to use in Italian food. Bay leaves are also useful but better suited to growing outdoors. If it is not practical to grow your own herbs, then buy them as you need them. Most supermarkets now have a pretty good selection year round. Either keep herbs in the refrigerator with their stems immersed in a small cup of water or in a resealable plastic bag. Wrapping them in damp paper towels keeps the leaves too wet and causes them to rot faster.